French fans' fervour revives Ryder Cup memories

GUYANCOURT, France : French supporters revelled in the first day of golf competition at the 2024 Olympics on Thursday, cheering on the home players in an atmosphere that drew comparisons with the 2018 Ryder Cup held at the same venue southwest of Paris.

Thousands descended on Le Golf National to see Victor Perez hit the opening tee-shot at 9 am (0700 GMT), and the crowd becoming even more passionate as fellow Frenchman Matthieu Pavon set out at midday.

"Honestly, following Matthieu around today, it wasn't far from being like the Ryder Cup," golf fan Christophe Preau said.

"Thanks to the Olympics, we have this extraordinary moment with Matthieu who has brought out the French public."

Pavon said he was taken aback by the passion of the crowd, who chanted his name and sang the Marseillaise as he started his round.

Even a seasoned winner like defending Olympic champion Xander Schauffele was surprised.

"It was an awesome atmosphere," the American said, adding that the relatively small 60-player field increased the intensity.

Stormy weather interrupted play twice in the afternoon and caused the crowds to thin out, but it failed to dampen the fans' enthusiasm.

Julie Lebon, who came with her children, said the delays were welcome on a baking hot day.

"It's more a problem for the players maybe. For us as supporters we were closer to the course and the greens," she said.

Europe won back the Ryder Cup in 2018 with a crushing 17 1/2-10 1/2 win over the United States.